SCRIPTURE: Luke 6:1-11
“The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath day.” (Luke 6:5)
Jesus is ‘the Son of Man’, the promised messiah (Daniel 7:13-14) and a descendent of Adam (Luke 3:38).
Adam (which means ‘humanity’ or ‘mankind’) was made Ruler/Lord of creation (Genesis 1:26-28), including the Sabbath.
A true son/daughter of Adam, in God’s image (i.e. like God) will both work and rest, but more than that will strive to do good and serve life all the time – whether working or resting.
“What does the Law say we should do on the Sabbath day? Should we do good? Or should we do evil? Should we save life? Or should we destroy it?” (Luke 6:9)
By listening to Satan, Adam became a slave to sin, cursed by death, and an evil, destructive Ruler/Lord.
The healthy God-like rhythm of work and rest became a destructive drive for greed and oppression.
Because of our failure, God promised a new Son of Man, a good Ruler/Lord over all things, including the Sabbath (Daniel 7:13-14, Matthew 28:18).
Jesus the Son of Man (Son of Adam, promised Messiah) has reclaimed our position of ruler of creation – including the Sabbath.
With Jesus, we too are restored to our position as rulers of creation, and are set free from the Law…
Free (and eager) to do good and save life, whether working or resting… just like Jesus, just like God!
There was no ‘sabbath law’ in Eden before the fall, nor will there be in the new creation.
We are not bound by the old covenant Sabbath law; we are lords of the gift of creation, including the Sabbath.
Those who follow Jesus are God’s Rulers in God’s likeness, enabled by the Spirit, working and resting – like God.
Led by the Spirit, we eagerly do good and serve life, enjoying and sharing the gift of work and rest.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
God, forgive us for missing the point, for going back to old covenant living. Remind us of who we are in Christ, and help us by Your Spirit to join with Jesus in doing good and serving life, every day of the week!
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Observations/Application
This passage reminded me of Micah 6:8 – ‘and what does the Lord God require of you?’ Israel had the same problem as the religious leaders of Jesus’ time. Follow the rules and regulations. However the answer should have been – do good. Live the good life by Word and Deed. Live love as found in Corinthians 13.
The regulations of my Sabbath have changed over the years – no longer being legalistic – no bikes, no knitting, no TV, no buying, etc. Rather, how do the activities of this day please God an show that I am walking with my risen Saviour.
Prayer
As You walked with Adam in the garden each day Lord, so too, walk with me in all I do and say. Help each day to walk and talk with You.
I danced in the morning when the world was young
I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun
I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth
At Bethlehem I had my birth
Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he
I danced for the scribes and the Pharisees
They wouldn’t dance, they wouldn’t follow me
I danced for the fishermen James and John
They came with me so the dance went on
Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he
I danced on the Sabbath and I cured the lame
The holy people said it was a shame
They ripped, they stripped, they hung me high
Left me there on the cross to die
Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he
I danced on a Friday when the world turned black
It’s hard to dance with the devil on your back
They buried my body, they thought I was gone
But I am the dance, and the dance goes on
Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he
They cut me down and I leapt up high
I am the life that will never, never die
I’ll live in you if you’ll live in me
I am the Lord of the dance, said he
Dance, dance, wherever you may be
I am the lord of the dance, said he
And I lead you all, wherever you may be
And I lead you all in the dance, said he